The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League, a showcase of emerging talent, is drawing to a close, providing a glimpse of the future stars of the 2024-25 NBA season. Among the budding stars were top picks from the 2024 NBA Draft, second-year players, and hopefuls vying for a spot in the league.
Star Performances and Struggles
Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, the No. 3 overall pick, delivered an impressive performance. Sheppard averaged 20 points per game, with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds over four games, solidifying his potential as a significant contributor for the Rockets.
Meanwhile, the No. 2 pick, Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr, faced a challenging stretch. Sarr experienced a particularly tough game, going 0 of 15 from the floor, and averaged 5.5 points per game during the Summer League. While these struggles are notable, the Wizards are undoubtedly invested in Sarr's development and future performances.
Zaccharie Risacher, selected first overall by the Atlanta Hawks, had a limited showing in the Summer League, playing only two games. Despite the small sample size, Risacher managed to finish 11 of 27 from the field, leaving Hawks fans eager to see more of his capabilities.
Mid-Lottery Picks
Ron Holland, the Detroit Pistons' No. 5 pick, displayed his shooting range, although inconsistently. Holland finished 4 of 17 in three-point shooting. Similarly, the Charlotte Hornets' No. 6 pick, Tidjane Salaun, struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 1 of 10 over three games. Despite this, Salaun averaged 9.0 points per game, indicating potential for growth in his rookie season.
Donovan Clingan, drafted No. 7 by the Portland Trail Blazers, showcased his defensive prowess. Clingan was a force in the paint, averaging 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 blocks in just under 26 minutes per game. He also demonstrated some shooting ability, making three three-pointers during the league.
Standout Performances
One standout was Rob Dillingham, picked No. 8 by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Dillingham posted a team-high 25 points and 12 assists in a game against the Magic, underscoring his potential as a dynamic player for the Timberwolves. Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls, the No. 11 pick, also had notable moments, playing in five games and delivering a standout performance against the Warriors with 28 points, five rebounds, and two steals.
Cody Williams, the Utah Jazz’s No. 10 pick, participated in seven games between the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Summer Leagues. Williams was efficient in the paint, shooting 73.9%. His consistent play provides optimism for the Jazz’s upcoming season.
Challenges and Injuries
The Memphis Grizzlies’ No. 9 pick, Zach Edey, experienced a setback with an ankle injury against the Pelicans. Before his injury, Edey had an impressive showing in the Salt Lake City Summer League, recording 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks. The Grizzlies will hope for a swift recovery for Edey, who has shown promise.
Not all top draftees could participate. Nikola Topić of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings missed the Summer League due to injuries – Topić with a torn ACL and Carter following shoulder surgery.
Other Noteworthy Mentions
Stephon Castle, who split his time between the Las Vegas Summer League and the California Classic, shone in his solo Las Vegas match. Castle put up 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, and made two three-pointers, leaving a strong impression.
The Washington Wizards’ No. 14 pick, Carlton Carrington, made his mark by filling the stat sheet against the Bucks with 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Carrington, who recently turned 19, is already showing maturity and skill beyond his years.
As the Summer League concludes, the excitement builds for the regular season. Fans got an early taste of what the future holds for their teams, and while some players hit stumbling blocks, others provided glimpses of brilliance. The 2024-25 NBA season promises to be an exciting showcase of these emerging talents.